AGC Chemicals considers closing Thornton-Cleveleys plant, 190 jobs

AGC Chemicals Europe has launched a consultation (at least 45 days) on closing its fluorochemicals plant in the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone; 190 employees plus 18 agency workers are affected. The plant has been loss-making for four years, production could end at the end of 2026, and a final decision is still pending. Update (14 September 2026): AGC confirmed the closure after the consultation; manufacturing at Hillhouse will end by 31 December 2026, after which the site will be wound down, with further redundancies in 2027. Affected staff have been promised enhanced redundancy packages and job-search support (AGC Chemicals Europe announcement, 14 September 2026).